Scientific Name : Cromileptes Altivelis
Common Name : Panther Grouper, Polka Dot Grouper, Barramundi Cod
Location : Indo-Pacific
Diet : Meaty foods such as Fish and Crustacean Flesh. Feed 2-3 times a week.
Size : 70cm(27 inches)
Compatibility : Will eat all fish or ornamental shrimp small enough to be ingested.
Suitability : Easy
Minimum Tank Size : Adults will require a tank of 180 + gallons (681 liters)
Reef Safe : Reef Safe with Caution

This is another Grouper that is probably the most commonly available Grouper in the pet trade. Its notorious for it’s striking peal white background color and black dots, hence the name Polka Dot Grouper. Don’t be fooled though by its docile appearance and demeanor, this little cutie, gets huge and has an appetite second to none!!! Don’t be tempted to purchase a juvenile for a smaller tank. A 2 inch baby will quickly grow into a 12 inch tyrant of the tank in a very short period. It is a bold, long lived species suitable for those having larger Aggressive tanks. Just like a Miniata Grouper…it will require lots of rock work in the tank with plenty of caves and rock over hangs in which to sulk in as Groupers commonly do. The filtration system will be required to be quiet large as such a fish that eats like a vacuum cleaner will tax even the best planned filter with the copious amounts of waste it will produce. Once again I highly recommend a somewhat oversized Protein Skimmer for such a tank. This Grouper unlike many others will do great with more than one per a tank provided that other tank mates of its type are at least half the size of the biggest member of the group. Any tank mates that do not meet this requirement will surely be “on the menu” potentially. This is to include smaller Crabs, Decorative Shrimp etc...hence Reef Safe with caution. Good additional tank mates include other Groupers, large Eels, Triggers and Parrot Fish. Two of the biggest killers of this fish in the Hobby is over feeding and too small of a tank. In order to maintain its brilliant and striking markings it will be necessary to soak its food items in a supplement rich in Vitamins and Amino Acids. Such products as that made by SeaChem is awesome for this purpose and will ensure the health of your fish.

If your up to the challenge, this big bruiser will make an exceptional addition to the larger Aggressive collector having a tank large enough to support it. Good Luck and Happy Reefing!